19-nor-progesterone derivatives

ABSTRACT

NEW 14A,17A-ALKYLIDENEDIOXY- AND 14A,17A-BENZYLIDENEDIOXY-19-NOR-PROGESTERONE COMPOUNDS ARE DISCLOSED. THE NEW COMPOUNDS POSSESS PROGESTATIONAL ACTIVITY

United States Patent Int. Cl. co1 169/34 us. Cl. zen-239.55 c 11 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE New l4a,l7a-alkylidenedioxyand l4u,17a-benzylidenedioxy-19-nor-progesterone compounds are disclosed. The new compounds possess progestational activity.

This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 856,475, filed Sept. 9, 1969, now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to new therapeutically useful steroids of the l9-nor-progesterone series, to processes for their preparation and to pharmaceutical compositions containing them.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION I HR in which R represents a straight or branched chain aliphatic hydrocarbon group having less than 6 carbon atoms or a phenyl group.

It has been found that l9-nor-pregesterone derivatives of formula 1 are therapeutically useful compounds which possess progestational activity. Some of the compounds are particularly useful in the treatment of threatened abortus, of dysmenorrhoea or for healing the mucous membrane of the uterus. Moreover, many of these compounds have excellent contraceptive properties. These compounds give, in many cases, a remarkably long-lasting protection against conception. Therefore, they may be applied as long-acting contraceptives, preferably in combination with an oestrogenic compound.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The 14a,17a-methylenedioxy 19 nor progesterone derivatives of formula 1 may be prepared by methods known per se for the preparation of analogous compounds. By the term methods known per se is meant methods heretofore used or described in the chemical literature.

According to a feature of the invention the 19-nor-progesterone derivatives of formula 1 are prepared by reacting 3,14a,17u-trihydroxy 19 nor-1,3,5 (l0)-pregnatriene-20-one, or its 9B-isomer, with an aldehyde of the formula RCHO, wherein R is as hereinbefore defined.

Patented May 21,, 1974 ice The thus obtained l4a,l7a-methylenedioxy derivative of the formula wherein R is as hereinbefore defined, is then converted to the corresponding 19-nor-progesterone derivative in a manner known per se.

Preferably the reaction of 3,14m,l7a-trihydroxy-l9-norl,3,5(10)-pregnatriene-20-one with an aldehyde of the formula RCHO is carried out at room temperature in the presence of a strong acid as catalyst and, if desired, in an inert organic medium. Preferred catalysts are perchloric acid, p-toluenesulphonic acid, sulphuric acid and hydrochloric acid. Suitable solvents include for example halogenated alkanes, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, benzene and dimethylformamide.

The conversion of a 1'4a,17a-methylenedioxy derivative of formula 2 to the corresponding 19-nor-progesterone derivative of formula 1 is preferably carried out in four succeeding reaction steps.

(a) Protection of the 3-hydroxyl group by etherification; for example, a compound of formula 2 may be reacted with a dialkyl sulphate, such as dimethyl sulphate, thereby obtaining a 3-alkoxy derivative of formula o HR 3,0

wherein R represents a lower alkyl group having less than 3 carbon atoms and R is as hereinbefore defined. The reaction is preferably carried out in the presence of an aqueous alkali hydroxide solution and an inert organic solvent medium, such as benzene, at room temperature.

(b) Protection of the 20-keto group; for example, this group can be protected by converting it with ethylene glycol to a 20,20-ethylenedioxy group. Preferably the reaction is carried out by refluxing a compound of formula 3, dissolved in a suitable organic medium, such as benzene, with ethylene glycol in the presence of a strong acid, such as p-toluenesulphonic acid, thereby obtaining a 20,20- ethylenedioxy compound of formula O-GH,

wherein R and R are as hereinbefore defined.

(c)v Reductionto. 2,5 10) -pregnadiene derivative; the reductionis preferably carriedoutbymreacting a compound of formula}, dissolved in a suitableorganic medium, suchas tetrahydrofuran, with sodium and liquid ammonia, thereby obtaining a 2, (1 0)pregnadiene derivative of formula I I v l of a compound of formula 5 in a suitable'orga'n'ic solvent,"

such as methanol, in the presence of a strong'a'cid, such as hydrochloric acid.

All the compounds of formulas 2, 3, 4 and -5 are new and particularly useful in the preparation of compounds of formula 1; as such they form a feature of the invention.

The starting material in the above described procedure, 3,14a,17ot trihydroxy- 19 nor 1,3,5()-pregnatriene- -one, is also a new compound. It is prepared in a sequence of five reaction steps from the known compound 14oz,17a-dihYdIOXyPIOgCStCIOHG.

(a) First, 14a,17a-dihydroxyprogesterone is microbiologically hydroxylated in the ll-position, for example with Cunninghamella blakesleeana, Curvularia lunata, or with Aspergillus ochraceus, thus obtaining 11,14a,17atrihydroxylprogesterone.

(b) This compound may then be dehydrated to give the corresponding 9. (11)-dehydro derivativeyforexample', 11a,14a,17a-trihydroxyprogesterone can beacylated, for

example with methane sulphonylchloride to 1la,'14a,17a-" trihydroxyprogesterone ll meth'ane sulphonate. 'The'acyl derivative, dissolved in asuitable organic-solvent, such as dimethylformamide; is then'heated-with Iithium' chloride I to give 14a,17-dihydroxy-'9 1 1 )-dihydroprogester-' one. The l-lB-isomer, 11B,1 4 l7a=trihydroxyprogsterone is converted with N-bromo-acetamide to the corresponding 9(11)-dehydro derivative. Preferably this reaction is carried out at room temperature in a suitable organic medium, such as pyridine.

(c) This compound is dehydrogenated in the 1,2-position, for example with selenium oxide or 2,3-dichloro-4,5- dicyanobenzoquinone, or by fermentation with a suitable microorganism, such as Corynebacteriumr simplex, to give 14a,17a-dihydroxy-l,9( 11)-bisdehydroprogesterone, which can also be indicated as 14a,17a -dihydroxy-l,4,9 1 l )-pregnatriene-3,20-dione.

(d) The compound thus obtained is then subjected to an aromatization reaction; this may be carried but" for example, by heating the compound in pyridi 'newithjinc dust to give 3, 14oz, l 7a-trihydroxy-l9-nor-1,3,5 (10),9( l l pregnatetraene-20-one. a a t (e) The 9(11)-double bond is then reduced again, for

example catalytically, using platinum oxideas catalyst.

There is. obtained a mixture of the 9aand the Qfi-isomer, 3,l4e,l7a-trihydroxy 19 nor 1,13,5(10) a pregnatriene- 20,-one and 3,14a,17c z -trihydroxy-l9-nor-9 3*l,3,5(10)- pregnatriene-ZO-one respectively, the hydrogen atom .in the 9a-position not being indicated as is conventional,

,which isomers can be separated by crystallization or column chromatography.

Each of these isomers is then reacted further with an aldehyde of the formula RCHO, as is described above, to give respectively the 9aor the 9B-isomer of a 19-norprogesterone compound of formula 1.

All the compounds obtained according to the above described processes, except 1118,140,l7u-trihydroxyprogesterone, are new.

According to another feature of the invention the l7a-methylenedioxy derivatives of formula 3, which are intermediates in the process of preparing the compounds of formula 1, are prepared by first converting l4 ot,l7a

dihydroxyprogesterone to a 14a,l7o t-methylenedioxy de-i rivative of the formula wherein R is as hereinbefore defined, and then converting the compound thus obtained to a 3-alkoxy-19-nor- 1,3,5 (l0)-pregnatriene derivative of formula 3.

The various reactions used to carry out this process are quite similar to those described hereinbefore. The introduction of a substituted 14a,17a-methylenedioxy group, of a hydroxyl group in ll-position and of the 1,2-

and" 9 (11)-'double bonds and the conversion" of the 3- -hydroxyto a 3-alkoxy-group, as well as the aromatization' reaction, can all be carried out as hereinbefore described.

However, upon reduction of the 9(1'1)-double b ond, a

dioxy-19-nor-l,3,5 10),9(l1)-pregnatetraene 20 one of the formula wherein R and R are as hereinbefore defined.

The reduction of the 9(1l)-doub1e bond in a compound of the formula 8 may be carried out catalytically, using for instance platinum oxide as a catalyst. The 9/3-isomer of a compound of formula 3, is then obtained exclusively, which may be converted in the manner hereinbefore described to the 9B-isomer of a compound of formula 1.

However, when the reduction of the 9(11)-double bond in a compound of formula 8 is carried out with lithium in liquid ammonia, the Qa-isomer of a compound of formula 3 is obtained exclusively.

Preferably, the 20-keto group in a compound of formula 8, is protected, for example by converting it to the 20,20-ethylenedioxy group, before the reduction with lithium and liquid ammonia is carried out. The 20,20- ethylenedioxy group can be introduced in the manner described hereinbefore.

After reduction of the 9(l1)-double bond there is ob-- tained a compound of formula 4, which can be used directly in the process of preparing a compound of formula 1, which is then obtained in the form of a 90:- isomer.

According to still another feature of the invention a compound of formula 4, wherein R is as hereinbefore defined and R represents a hydrogen atom, which is an intermediate in the process of preparing a compound of the formula 1, is prepared without the intermediate introduction of a double bond in the 9,11-position.

In this process, 14a,17a-dihydroxyprogesterone is first converted to a 14a,17a-methylenedioxy-20,20ethylenedioxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3-one derivative of formula O-CH;

wherein R is as hereinbefore defined, using the processes hereinbefore described.

Aromatization of a compound of formula 9 is carried out by reaction with lithium, thereby obtaining a compound of formula 4, wherein R is as hereinbefore defined and R represents a hydrogen atom. The reaction is preferably carried out by refluxing the reactants in a suitable organic solvent medium, such as tetrahydrofuran, and in a nitrogen atmosphere.

The 3-hydroxy-14a,17a-methyIenediOxy-Z0,20-ethylenedioxy 19-nor1,3,5(10)-pregnatriene derivative thus obtained is used directly to prepare a compound of formula 1, using the processes hereinbefore described.

The compounds of formula 6 are disclosed in our copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 712,600, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,560,486, which application is incorporated herein by reference. The compounds of formulas 7, 8 and 9 are also new compounds particularly useful in a pre- Example I (a) Nutrient medium in an amount of 5.5 1. consisting of 0.5% of glucose and 0.5% of corn steep liquor were inoculated with 275 ml. of shake culture of Aspergillus ochraceus. The microorganism was grown at 26 C. with vigorous stirring and aeration. After 24 hours a solution of 1.4 g. of 14a,l7u-dihydroxy-progesterone in 20 ml. of dimethylformamide was added. After 72 hours, the conversion being complete, the culture broth was filtered and the filtrate extracted three times with 1 l. of methyl isobutyl ketone. The extract was concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue crystallized from methanol; yield: 0.4 g. of 11a,14a,l7a-trihydroxyprogesterone.

Melting point: 232234.5 C. IR. (in CHCl 'y =3608, 3485, 1711, 1665, 1612 and 1350 cmr (b) To a stirred suspension of 5 g. of llot,l4a',l7a-tl'lhydroxyprogesterone in 50 ml. of pyridine, 1.2 ml. of methane sulphonylchloride was added dropwise. The reaction mixture was kept at room temperature for minutes and then poured into 750 ml. of Water, thereby obtaining 5.6 g. of 11e,14a,17atrihydroxyprogesterone ll-methane sulphonate.

Melting point: 160-16l C. IR. (in CHCl 'y =3600, 3505, 1709, 1665, 1610,

1350, 1333, 1170, 921 and 900 cm.

(c) A solution of 5.5 g. of lla,l4a,l7a-trihydroxyprogesterone ll-methane sulphonate and 5.5 g. of lithium chloride in 55 ml. of dimethylformamide was kept at C. for 30 minutes. To the cooled reaction mixture 20 ml. of water were added, yielding 3.5 g. of l4u,17a-dihydroxy- 9 l 1 -dehydroprogesterone.

Melting point: 235-24l C.

N.M.R. (in CDCl +some DMSO-d 6:0.58, 1.34, 2.15,

about 4.0, 5.58 and 5.68 p.p.m.

Molecular ion peak in mass spectrum: Calculated for C H O 344; found: 344.

v (d) A mixture of 10 g. of 14u,l7a-dihydroxy-9(11)- dehydroprogesterone, 6.6 g. of selenium oxide, 2 ml. of pyridine and 500 ml. of tert. butanol was refluxed for 17 hours. The precipitated selenium was filtered off, the filtrate diluted with 2.5 l. of methyl isobutyl ketone and washed with N sodium hydroxide solution, 0.5 N sulfuric acid and water. The organic fraction was concentrated and the brown, crystalline residue triturated with 50 ml. of methanol yielding 2.0 g. of nearly white 14a,17a-dlhydroxy-1,9( 1 1 )-bisdehydroprogesterone.

Melting point 268-272" C. IR. (in CHCl 'y =3605, 3560, 3475, 1710, 1662,

1622, 1603 and 1350 cm."

(e) A mixture of 1.0 g. of l4a,l7a-dihydroxy-l,9(l1)- bisdehydroprogesterone, 30 ml. of pyridine containing 0.5 ml. of water, and 20 g. of zinc dust was heated under reflux with stirring for 210 min. After cooling, the zinc was removed by filtration and washed with methyl isobutyl ketone. The filtrate was concentrated and the residue dissolved in 25 ml. of methyl isobutyl ketone and this solution was washed with N sulfuric acid and water. The solvent was evaporated in vacuo and the residue was crystallized from ethanol; yield 0.50 g. of 3,14oc,17-trihydroxy- 19-nor- 1,3,5( 10) ,9( 1 1 )-pregnatetraene-20-one.

Melting point: 230235 C.

-N.M.R. (in a mixture of CDCI and DMSO-d 6:0.68, 2.23, 6.23 (broad), 6.55, 6.6 and 7.5 (AB spectrum) p.p.m.

(f) A solution of 0.40 g. of 3,l4a,l7a-trihydroxy-l9- nor-1,3,5(10),9(1l)-pregnatetraene-20-one in 15 ml. of a mixture (l -:1) of methanol and methylene chloride was shaken with 10 mg.-of platinumoxide for 3 hours ina hydrogen atmosphere. After removal of the catalyst by filtration and concentration of the filtrate there was obtained a residue which was purified by column chromatography (silicagel, eluent: a solution of 5% acetone in benzene); yield 120 mg. of an a-polar and 160 mg. of a polar compound. The a-polar compound proved to be 3,14a,17a-trihydroxy-19-nor-9p-1,3,5 -pregnatriene-20-one.

Melting point: 167-169" C. N.M.R. (in a mixture of CDC13 and DMSO-d 8:0.83,

2.21, 6.67, 6.7 and 7.2 (AB-spectrum) ppm.

The polar compound proved to be 3,14e,17a-trihydroxy- 19-nor-l,3,5 (10)-pregnatriene-2 0-one (i.e. the 9a-isomer).

Melting point: 244248 C. N.M.R. (in a mixture of CDCI and DMSO-d 6:0.72,

2.23, 6.53, 6.6 and 7.1 (AB-spectrum) ppm.

Melting point: 200-201" C. I.R. (in CHCI 'y =3605, 1708, 1608, 1580, 1492,

1398, 1349, 1130 and 1107 crnf (h) A mixture of 5 g. of 3-hydroxy-14a,l7u-ethylidenedioxy-l9-nor-1,3,5(10)-pregnatriene-20-one, 100 ml. of chloroform, 100 ml. of a 30% aqueous potassium hydroxide solution and 20 ml. of dimethyl sulfate wasstirred at room temperature for minutes. The chloroform layer was separated, washed three times with water and evaporated to dryness. The residue was crystallized from methanol; yield: 4.2 g. of S-methoxy-l4d,l7'a-ethylideuedioxy-19-nor-1,3,5(10)-pregnatriene-20-one.

Melting point: 163164 C. S TR. (in CHCl 'y =2835, 1707, 1604, 1570, 1490, 1409, 1122 and 1062 emf.

1359, 1160, 1138 aud 1112 c'mr- (i) A solution of 5.0 g. of S-methoxy-1411,17a-ethylidenedioxy-19-nor-1,3,5(10)-pregnatriene-20-one in 75 ml. of benzene was refluxed for 14 hours with 37 ml. of

ethylene glycol and 300 mg. of p-toluene sulphonic acid.

The water formed was removed by azeotropic distillation. The mixture was cooled, diluted-with 370 ml. of benzene and washed with water, with aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution, and again with water. Evaporation of the solvent gave. a residue, which was crystallized from acetone. Yield: 3.6 g. of 3-rnethoxy-14a,17a-ethylidenedioxy-20, 20-ethy1enedioxy-19-nor-l,3,5 (10 -pregnatriene.

Melting point: 182-183.5 C. I LR. (in. CHCl =2840, 1607, 1570,1490,.1409,

1122 and 1062 emf- (j) To a solution of"2.4 g. of sodium in a mixture of 250 ml. of dry, distilled liquid ammonia and 125ml. of dry tetrahydrofurane, 3.6 g. of 3-methoxy-14,l7a-ethylidenedioxy 20,20 ethylenedioxy 19 no'r-1,3',5(10)- pregnatriene in 125 ml. of tetrahydrofurane and 2.0 ml. of absolute ethanol, was added over a period of 1 hour. The reaction mixture was stirredfor 30 minutes and then a mixture of 4.0 ml. of absolute ethanol and 15 ml. of tetrahydrofurane was added and the stirring continued for 15 minutes. Evaporationof the solvent yielded a residue which wasdissolved in a mixture of methyl isobutyl ketone and water. The organic layer was washed with water, concentrated and the residue obtained, crystallized from acetone/water. Yield: 3.5 g. of B-rnethoxy- '8 141:,17m-ethylidenedioxy-20,20-ethylenedioxy 19 nor- 2,5(10)-pregnadiene.

I.R. (in CHCI 'y ,,,,=2836, 1694, 1668, 1605, 1572,

1493, 1400, 1118 and 1058 cmf Molecular ion peak in mass spectrum: Calculated for C l-T 0 416; found: 416.

(k) A solution of 3.0 g. of 3-methoxy-14a,17a-ethylidenedioxy 20,20 ethylenedioxy-l9-nor-2,5(10)-pregnadiene in a mixture of 140 ml. of methanol and 40 m1. of 6 N hydrochloric acid, was refluxed for 15 minutes. The cooled reaction mixture was neutralized by addition of 31 g. of sodium acetate in 50ml. of water. After evaporation in vacuo of most of the methanol the residue was extracted with methyl isobutyl ketone, the extract concentrated to dryness and the remaining oil crystallized from methanol/water. Yield: 1.6 g. of 14a,17a-ethylidenevdiox-y-19-nor-progesterone.

Melting om: 152-155 0. 7m (in methanol): 240 nm.;

I.R. (in CHCl 'y ,,,=.171 1, 1669, 1620, 1401 1350 and 1110 emf.

N.M.R. (in CDCI 6:0.86, 1.38 (doublet), 2.18, 5.20

(quadruplet) and 5.86 p.p.m.

Molecular ion peak in mass spectrum: Calculated for C H O z 358; found: 358.

Example II (a) According to the procedure described in Example I (g), 3,14a,17 a-trihydroxy-19-nor-9fi-1,3,5 (10)-pregnatriene-ZO-one (prepared according to the procedure described in Example I (f)) was converted to 3-hydroxy- 14d,17m-ethylidenedi oxy 19 nor-9f3-1,3,5(l0)-pregnatriene-20 one.

Melting 1011111111480" c. LR. (in 01101, 3605, 1708, 1610, 1586, 1490,

1395, 1347,1130 and 1110 cmr (b) According to the procedure described in Example I (h), 3-hydroxy-l4a,l7a-ethylidenedioxy-19-nor-9,B-1,3,5 (10)-pregnatriene-20-one was converted to 3-methoxy- 14a,17a-ethylidenedioxy 19 nor 1,3,5 (10)-pregnatriene-20-one.

Melting point: Ill-116 C. IR. (in CHCI 'y -2843, 1708, 1609, 1579, 1490,

1358 and 1115 cmr (0) According to. the procedure described in Example I (i), 3-methoxy-14a,17wethylidenedioxy-19-nor-9,B-l,3,5 (10)-pregnatriene-20-one was converted to 3-methoxy- 1411,17 0; ethylidenedioxy-20,20-ethylenedioxy-19-nor-9fi- 1,3,5 (10)-pregnatriene.

Melting point: 70-76" C.

LR. (in CHCI;,) 'y =2848, 1611, 1582, 1495, 1400, 1370, 1154, 1135 1120, 1080, 1060, 1010, 990 and (d) According to the procedure described in Example I (j), 3-me'thox'y-l4ut,l7a-ethylidenedioxy-20,20-ethylenedioxy-19-nor-9fi-1,3,5(10)-pregnatriene was converted to 3 methoxy-l4u,17a-ethyidenedioxy-20,20 ethylenedioxy- 1 9'uor-9fl-2,5(10)-pregnadicne.

I.R.' (in CHCl,): *y 2835, 1695, 1668, 1398, 1118 and 1060 cmr' p Molecular ion peakin mass spectrum: Calculated for C H O 416; found: 416;

(e) According to the procedure described in Example I (k), 3-methoxy-14a,17a-ethylidenedioxy-20,20-ethylenedioxy-19-nor-913-2,5(10)-pregnadiene was converted to 14a,17a-ethylidenedioxy-l9-nor-9fi,10-progesterone.

Melting point: 140-1140.5 C. 7 (in methanol): 243 nm.;

LR. (in CHCl 'y '=l71l, 1660, 1610, 1402, 1350,

1124 and 1115 cmf N.M.R. (in CDCl;,): 6:0.86, 1.38 (doublet), 2.20, 5.22

(quadruplet) and 5.89 p.p.m.

Molecular ion peak in mass spectrum: Calculated for C H O 358; found: 358.

Example III (a) According to the procedure described in Example -I (g), 3,14a,17atrihydroxy-19-nor1,3,5(10-pregnatriene- 20-one (prepared according to the procedure described in Example I (f)) was converted with hexanal to 3- hydroxy l4 x,l7a hexylidenedioxy l9-nor-1,3,5(10)- pregnatriene-ZO-one, isolated as an oil.

I. R. (in CHCl =3605, 1710, 1610, 1583, 1350 and 1109 cmr Molecular ion peak in mass spectrum: Calculated for C26H35041 found:

(d) According to the procedure described in Example I (j), S-methoxy-14a,17a-hexylidenedioxy-20,20-ethylenedioxy-19-nor-1,3,5(10)-pregnatriene was converted to 3- methoxy 140:,1'70c hexylidenedioxy 20,20 ethylenedioxy 19 nor 2,5 (10)-pregnadiene.

Melting point: 118l22 C.

LR. (in CHCI 'y =2832, 1692, 1663, 1112 and 1045 (e) According to the procedure described in Example I (k), 3 methoxy 14a,17a hexylidenedioxy-20,20- ethylenedioxy 19 nor 2,5 10)-pregnadiene was converted to 14a,17a-hexylidenedioxy-l9-nor-progesterone.

Melting point: 7277 C. A (in methanol): 240 nm.;

LR. (in CHCl 'y 1713, 1665, 1620, 1351, 1145 and 1110 cmr' N.M.R. (in CD01 6:0.86, 0.88 (triplet), 2.18, 4.99

(triplet) and 5.87 p.p.m.

Molecular ion peak in mass spectrum: Calculated for C26H33O41 found:

Example IV (a) According to the procedure described in Example I(g), 3,14oc,17oc trihydroxy-l9-nor-1,3,5(10)-pregnatriene-20-ene (prepared according to the procedure described in Example I (f)) was converted with 2,2-di- 10 methylpropanal to 3-hydroxy-l4a,l7a (2,2 dimethyl propylidenedioxy) 19-nor- 1,3,5 10) -pregnatriene-20-one.

Melting point: 205.5-207 C. I.R. (in CHCl 'y =3602, 1710, 1608, 1582, 1493,

1350 and 1098 cmr (b) According to the procedure described in Example I (h), 3 hydroxy 14a,17oc (2,2-dimethylpropylidenedioxy)-19-nor1,3,5 (10) pregnatriene 20-one was con verted to 3 methoxy-14,l7a-(2,2-dimethylpropylidenedioxy) -1 9-nor- 1,3,5 10) -pregnatriene-20-one.

Melting point: 102-103 C. N.M.R. (in CDCI 8:0.85, 1.00, 2.22, 3.80, 4.62, 6.75,

6.8 and 7.3 (AB-spectrum) p.p.m.

(c) According to the procedure described in Example I (i), 3 methoxy 14a,17a-(2,2-dimethylpropylidenedioxy) 19 nor-l,3,5(10)-pregnatriene-20-one was converted to 3 methoxy-14a,17a-(2,2-dimethylpropylidenedioxy) 20,20 ethylenedioxy 19 nor 1,3,5(10)- pregnatriene Melting point: 108-1095 C. LR. (in CHCl 'y =l609, 1574, 1498, 1110 and 1053 cmr (d) According to the procedure described in Example I (j), 3 methoxy-14a,17a (2,2-dimethylpropylidenedioxy) 20,20 ethylenedioxy 19 nor 1,3,5(10)- pregnatriene was converted to 3-methoxy-14a,17u-(2,2- dimethylpropylidenedioxy) 20,20 ethylenedioxy 19- nor-2,5(10)-pregnadiene.

Melting point: 13-8140.5 C.

I.R. (in CHCl 'y =2830, 1692, 1662, 1109 and 1050 MIL (e) According to the procedure described in Example I (k), 3 methoxy 14a,17a (2,2-dimethylpropylidenedioxy) 20,20 ethylenedioxy 19-nor-2,5(10)-pregnadiene was converted to 14a,17a-(2,2-dimethylpropylidenedioxy)-19-nor-progesterone.

Melting point: 1-34-134.5 C. A (in methanol) =24l nm.;

I.R. (in CHCI 'y =1710, 1662, 1628, 1382, 1352, 1131, 1109, 1100, 1051, 1009, 990, 962 and 881 cmr- N.M.R. (in CD01 6=0.88, 0.98, 2.19, 4.56

and 5.87 p.p.m.

Molecular ion peak in mass spectrum: Calculated for C25H35O4Z found: 400.

Example V (a) According to the procedure described in Example I (g), 3,14a,17a trihydroxy-19-nor-1,3,5(10)-pregnatriene-20-one (prepared according to the process described in Example I (D) was converted with 2-ethylbutanal to 3 hydroxy :,170; (Z-ethylbutylidenedioxy)-19-nor- 1,3,5(10)-pregnatriene-20-one, isolated as an oil.

LR. (in CHCI 'y =3605, 1709, 1609, 1580, 1495,

1347 and 1093 GEL-1.

Molecular ion peak in mass spectrum: Calculated for (2 1 13 041 412; found: 412.

(b) According to the procedure described in Example I (h), 3 hydroxy 14a,17a (2-ethylbutylidenedioxy)- 19-nor-1,3,5(10)-pregnatriene-20-one was converted to 3- methoxy l4a,17a (2 ethylbutylidenedioxy)-l9-nor- 1,3,5 (10)-pregnatriene-20-one.

Melting point: 8687.5 C.

N.M.R. (in CDCl 6:0.83, 0.93 (triplet), 2.20, 3.78, 5.95 (doublet), 6.67, 6.7 and 7.25 (AB-spectrum) p.p.m.

(c) According to the procedure described in Example I (i), 3 methoxy 14a,17a (2-ethylbutylidenedioxy)- 1 1 19-nor-1,3,5(10)-pregnatriene-20-one was converted to 3- methoxy 14a,17a (2-ethylbutylidenedioxy)-20,20-ethy1- enedioxy-19-nor-1,3,5(10)-pregnatriene. I

Melting point: 130-131 C. I.R. (in CHCI 'y =1608, 1572, 1496, 1158, 1138 and 110 cm.

(d) According to the procedure described in Example I (j), 3-methoxy-14a,17a-(2-ethylbutylidenedioxy)-20,20- ethyleuedioxy-19-nor-1,3,5(10)-pregnatriene was converted to 3-methoxy-14a,17a-(Z-ethylbutylidenedioxy)-20,20- ethylenedioxy-19-nor-2,5 10) -pregnadiene.

Melting point: 72.5-74 C. IR. (in CHCl =2835, 1695, 1667,1110, 1100 and 1048 cmr' (e) According to the procedure described in Example I (k), 3-methoxy-14a,17u-(Z-ethylbutylidenedioxy) 20,20- ethylenedioxy-l9-nor-2,5(10)-pregnadiene was converted to 14a,l7a-(2-ethylbutylidenedioxy)-19-nor-progesterone.

Melting point: 90-915 C. A (in methanol) =241 nm.;

LR. (in CHCI 'y -=17l0; 1662, 1618, 1350, 1170,

1115, 960 and 880 cmr N.M.R. (in CDCl;,): 6:0.87, 0.92 (triplet),

(doublet) and 5.87 p.p.m. l g

Molecular ion peak in mass spectrum: Calculated for CzaHaaO: found:

Example VI Melting point: 184-186 C. LR. (in CHCl 'y =3608, 1714, 1610, 1585, 1497,

1353 and 1090 cm.-

(b) According to the procedure described in Example I (h), 3 hydroxy-l4a,l7a-benzylidenedioxy-19-nor-1,3, 5(10)-pregnatriene-20-one was converted to 3-methoxy 14a,17z benzylidenedioxy 19 nor-1,3,5()-pregnatriene-ZO-one.

Melting point: 153-158 C. N.M.R. (in C DCl 6:0.88, 2.23, 3.77, 6.05, 6.68, 6.67 and 7.2 (AB-spectrum) and 7.3-7.7 (multiplet) p.p.m.

(e) According to the procedure described in Example I (i), 3-methoxy 14a,17a benzylidenedioxy-19-nor-1,3, 5 10)-pregnatriene-20-one was converted to 3-methoxy- 14a,17u-benzylidenedioxy-20,20-ethylenedioxy 19 nor- 1,3,5 10)-pregnatriene. I

Melting point: 124-128 C. IR. (in CHCl 7 =1610, 1575, 1498, 1090, 1050 and 1042 crnr' (d) To a solution of 9.2 g. of sodium in a'r'nixture of 350 ml. of dry, distilled liquid ammonia and 400 ml. of tetrahydrofurane, 10 g. of 3 methoxy-14a,17a-benzylidenedioxy-20,20-ethylenedioxy 19 nor-1,3,5(10)-preg'- natriene in 175 ml. of tetrahydrofurane and 8 ml. of ethanol was added over a period of 1 hour. After stirring the reaction mixture for another hour, a mixture of 20 ml. of tetrahydrofurane and 16 ml. of ethanol was added and the stirring continued for 1 hour. Evaporation of the solvents yielded a residue which was dissolved in a mixture of tetrahydrofurane and water. Upon concentration of this solution there was obtained 7.6 g. of crystalline 3- 12 methoxy-20,ZO-ethylenedioxy 1411,17a dihydroXy-19- nor-2,5 (10) -pregnadiene.

Melting point: 193.5-199 C.

I.R. (in CHCl =3610, 3570, 3440, 2830, 1691, 1663, 1366, 1160, 1062, 1034, 981, 948, 890 and 880 cm.-

(e) A suspension of 3.94 g. of 3-methoxy-20,20-ethylenedioxy 14a,17a dihydroxy-19-nor-2,-5(10) pregnadiene, 0.2 ml. of 70% perchloric acid, 10 ml. of benzaldehyde and 50 ml. of dioxane was kept at room temperature for 15 minutes. After addition of 0.4 ml. of pyridine the reaction mixture was concentrated and the residual oil dissolved in a mixture of 160 ml. of methanol and 50 ml. of 6 N hydrochloric acid. This solution was refluxed for 15 minutes; thecooled reaction mixture was treated with 48 g... of sodium acetate and 25 ml. of water and then concentrated. The concentrated solution was extracted with methyl isobutyl ketone and the extract was washed witha solution of sodium hydrogen carbonate in water and water. On evaporation of the solvent there was obtained 4.4 g. of a foamy residue which was chromatographed over a silica gel column; eluetion by benzene. Yield after crystallization from methanol/ water: 0.2 g. of 14a,17a-benzylidenedioxy-19-nor-progesterone.

Melting point: 152.5-154 C. A gg=(in methanol) :240 nm.;

I.R. (in CHCl 'y =l7l1, 1662, 1619, 1386, 1352, 1088, 1060, 1042, 1025, 990, 962, 940 and 883 CH1."1.

N.M.R. (in CDCl 6:0.94, 2.21, 5.85, 5.97 and 7.35-

7.65 (multiplet) p.p.m.

Molecular ion peak in mass spectrum: Calculated for C2qH3204I found:

Example VII (a) A suspension of 2.5 g. of 14a,17a-dihydroxyprogesterone in a mixture of 50 rnl.'of acetaldehyde and 0.25 ml. of 70% perchloric acid was stirred at room temperature; the steroid was completely dissolved within 1 hour. To the reaction mixture ml. of methyl isobutyl ketone were added; the solution was neutralized with a solution of 1.5 g. of sodium bicarbonate in 30 ml. of water. This solution was washed with water and the solvent completely removed by distillation under reduced pressure. The residue was crystallized from acetone/water. Yield: 2.0 g. of 14a,17a-ethylidenedioxy progesterone.

Melting point: 178-181 C. I.R. (in CHCl 'y =1712, 1667, 1615, 1355 and 1113 cmrl.

(b) 10 l. of nutrient medium consisting of 0.5% of glucose and 0.5% of corn steep liquor were inoculated with 500 ml. of shake culture of Curvularia lunata. The micro-organism was grown at 26 C. with vigorous stirring and aeration. After 24 hours a solution of 3 g. of 14a17a-ethylidenedioxyprogesterone in 60 ml. of acetone was added. The conversion was complete after 72 hours. The mycelium was filtered 011 and washed with water. The filtrate and the washings were combined and extracted with methyl isobutylketone. The extract was evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure. The residue was crystallized from methyl isobutyl ketone. Yield: 0.9 g. of 11,8- hydroxy-14a,17a-cthylidenedioxyprogesterone.

Melting point: 260.5-262" C. (after recrystallization from methyl isobutyl ketone).

I.R. (in CHCI 'y -=3612, 1712, 1665, 1620, 1359 and i 1 2 0 cm'r 13 filtrate stirred three times for 30 minutes with 15 g. of alumina. The benzene solution was concentrated and the residue triturated with diethyl ether. Yield: 6.5 g. of 115- hydroxy 14u,17a ethylidenedioxy-l-dehydroprogesterone, slightly contaminated with the 6-dehydro isomer.

Melting point: 243-253 C. I.R. (in CHCI 'y =3615, 1712, 1660, 1616, 1061,

1407, 1358 and 1112 cm.-

(d) To a solution of 8.2 g. of 11/8-hydroxy-14a,17aethylidenedioxy-l-dehydroprogesterone in a mixture of 55 ml. of tetrahydrofurane and 40 ml. of pyridine cooled at 10 C., 5.6 ml. of thionyl chloride was added at such a rate that the temperature did not rise above 5 C. The reaction mixture was kept at this temperature for minutes, then warmed up to room temperature and poured to 1 l. of water. Yield: 6.4 g. of 14a,17a-ethylidenedioxy- 1,9 1 1 -bisdehydroprogesterone.

Melting point: 177-181 C. (after crystallization from diethyl ether).

I.R. (in CHCl 'y =1710, 1668, 1662, 1623, 1603,

1352 and 1108 cm.-

(e) According to the procedure described in Example 'I(e) 14u,17a-ethylidenedioxy 1,9(11) bisdehydroprogesterone was converted to 3-hydroxy-l4u,l7a-ethylidenedioxy-19-nor-1,3,5(10),9(11)-pregnatetraene-20-one.

Melting point: 198-202 C.

N.M.R. (in CDCl;,): 6:0.78, 1.34 (doublet), 2.22, 521 (quadruplet), 6.19, 6.60, 6.7 and 7.5 (AB-spectrum) p.p.m.

(f) According to the procedure described in Example I(h), 3-hydroxy-14u,17a-ethylenedioxy-19-nor-1,3,5 10) 9(11)-pregnatetraene-20-one was converted to 3-methoxy- 14a,17ot-ethylidenedioxy 19 nor 1,3,5(10),9(11)-pregnatetraene-ZO-one.

Melting point: 153-157 C. IR. (in CHCl 'y =2843, 710, 1630, 1608, 1565,

1492, 1360 and 1140 cmr (g) According to the procedure described in Example I(i), 3-methoxy-l4u,17a-ethylidenedioxy 19 nor-1,3, 5 (10),9(11)-pregnatetraene-20-one was converted to 3- methoxy-14u,17a-ethylidenedioxy 20,20 ethylenedioxy- 19-nor-l,3,5(10),9(11)-pregnatetraene.

Melting point: 220.5-222.5"- C. LR. (in CHCl 'y =2843, 1633, 1608, 1568, 1493,

1120 and 1049 cmf (h) To a solution of 1 g. of 3-methoxy-14a,17a-ethylidenedioxy-20,20-ethylendioxy 19 nor-1,3,5(10),9(l1)- pregnatetraene in 250 ml. of anhydrous diethyl ether was added 250 ml. of freshly distilled liquid ammonia and the solution was treated under reflux with small pieces of lithium until a dark blue color persisted for 10 minutes. To the reaction mixture 5 g. of anhydrous ammonium chloride were added, the ammonia was allowed to evaporate and then water was added. The ethereal layer was separated and washed three times with water; the solvent was evaporated and the residue crystallized from acetone. Yield: 460 mg. of 3-methoxy-14a,17u-ethylideneoxy-20,20-ethylenedioxy-19-nor-1,3,5 10) pregnatriene.

Melting point: l82-183.S C. IR. (in CHCl 'y ='2840, 1607, 1570, 1490, 1409,

1122 and 1062 cm.-

(i) According to the procedures described in Example I(j) and (k), 3-methoXy-14a,17a-ethylidenedioxy-20,20- ethylenedioxy-19-nor-1,3,5(10) pregnatriene was converted to 14a,l7ot-ethylidenedioxy-19-nor-progesterone.

Example VIII (a) According to the procedure described in Example VII(a), 11,B,14a,17a trihydroxyprogesterone was converted with propanal to hydroxy-l4a,l7a-propylidenedioxyprogesterone.

Melting point: 191193 C. I.R. (in CHCl 'y ,,=3620, 1712, 1667, 1619, 1358 and 1130 cmr (b) According to the procedure described in Example VII(c) 1 1/3-hydroxy-14a,17a-propylidenedioxyprogesterone was converted to 11fl,hydroxy-14a,l7a-propylidenedioxy-l-dehydroprogesterone.

Melting point: 162-165 C. IR. (in CHCl 'y =3616, 3092, 1711, 1660, 1620,

1602, 1359 and 1129 cm.-

(c) According to the procedure described in Example VII(d), 113 hydroxy-14a,17u-propylidenedioxy-1-dehydroprogesterone was converted to 14a,17a-propylidenedioxy- 1,9 1 1 -bisdehydroprogesterone.

Melting point: l38-139 C.

N.M.R. (in CDCl 6:0.77, 0.90 (triplet), 1.41, 2.18,

4.87 (triplet), 5.6 (broad), 6.08, 6.3 and 7.2 (AB- spectrum) p.p.m.

(d) According to the procedure described in Example I(e), 14a,17a propylidenedioxy-l,9(11)-bisdehydroprogesterone was converted to 3 hydroxy-14u,17a-propylidenedioxy-19-nor-l,3,5(10),9(11) pregnatetraene 20- one.

Melting point: 127-135 C.

N.M.R. (in CDC1 6:0.77, 0.92 (triplet), 2.23, 4.94

(triplet), 6.18 (broad), 6.57, 6.6 and 7.5 (AB-spectrum) p.p.m.

(e) According to the procedure described in Example I(h), 3-hydroxy 14a,17u propylidenedioxy-19-nor-1,3, 5 (10)9,(11) pregnatetraene-ZO-one was converted to 3- methoxy 1411,1711 propylidenedioxy-19-nor-1,3,5(10), 9(11)-pregnatetraene-20-one.

Melting point: 122.5-123.5 C.

N.M.R. (in CDCl,): 6:0.79, 0.93 (triplet), 2.22, 3.80,

4.95 (triplet), 6.62, 6.23 (broad), 6.7 and 7.6 (AB- spectrum) p.p.m.

Melting point: 123-127" C. IR. (in CHCl 'y =1630, 1605, 1562, 1490, 1160 and 1143 emf.

(g) According to the procedure described in Example VII(h), 3-methoxy-14a,17a-pr0pylidenedioxy 20,20-ethylenedioxy-l9-nor-1,3,5(10),9(11) pregnatetraene was converted to 3-methoxy-14a,17a-propylidenedioxy-20,20- ethylenedioxyl9-nor- 1,3,5 10) -pregnatriene.

Melting point: 96-99 C. N.M.R. (in CDCl;,): 6:0.95 (triplet), 1.00, 1.33, 3.78,

3.95, 5.00, 6.65, 6.8 and 7.2 (AB-spectrum) p.p.m.

(h) According to the procedure described in Example I(j), 3-methoxy 14u,17a propylidenedioxy-20,20-ethylenedioxy-l9-nor 1,3,5(10) pregnatriene was converted to 3-methoxy-l4a,17a-propylidenedioxy 20,20- ethylenedioxy-19-nor-2,5 10) -pregnadiene.

LR. (in CHCI 'y =1697, 1663, 1370, 1163 and 1061 Molecular ion peak in mass spectrum: Calculated for C H O :430; found: 430.

(i) According to the procedure described in Example I(k), 3-methoxy 14a,17a propylidenedioxy-ZO,20-ethylenedioxy-19-nor-2,5(l0)-pregnadiene was converted to 14a,17a-propylidenedioxy-19-n0r-progesterone.

Melting point: 100-102 C. A (in methanol)=240 nm.;

IR. (in CHCl 'y :l709, 1660, 1615, 1356 and 1105 N.M.R. (in CDCI 6:0.87, 0.96 (triplet), 2.18, 4.94

(triplet), and 5.87 ppm.

Molecular ion peak in mass spectrum: Calculated for C23H3204I found:

Example IX (a) According to the procedure described in Example VII(c), 14a,17u-ethylidenedioxyprogesterone (prepared according to the procedure described in Example VII(a) is converted to 14a,17a-ethylidenedioxy-l-dehydroprogesterone.

Melting point: 212.5215 C. I.R. (in CHCl 'y =17l0, 1662, 1620, 1602, 1358 and 1113 cm.-

(b) According to the procedure described in Example I(i), 14u,17a-ethylidenedioxy 1 dehydroprogesterone was converted to 14a,17a-ethylidenedioxy 20,20 ethylenedioxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3-one.

Melting point: 200.5-205.5 C. IR. (in CHCl 'y =1658, 1618, 1408, 1120 and 1060 cmf (c) To a refluxing, stirred, green colored mixture of 1.5 g. of naphthalene, 0.14 g. of lithium and 11 ml. of tetrahydrofurane in a nitrogen atmosphere, a solution of 1.2 g. of 14a,17u-ethylidenedioxy-20,20-ethylenedioxy-1,4- pregnadiene-S-one in 6 ml. of tetrahydrofurane was added slowly. Ten minutes after the addition was completed, subsequently were added 4 ml. of methanol, 6 ml. of water and 3 ml. of concentrated hydrochloric acid and the reaction mixture was stirred for another 3 hours at 55 C. The naphthalene was removed by steam distillation and the hot residue was extracted with chloroform. The extract was washed with water, concentrated to dryness and the residue crystallized from methanol. Yield: 0.40 g. of 3-hydroxy-14u,17a-ethylidenedioxy 20,20 ethylenedioxy-19-nor-1,3,5 10 -pregnatriene.

Melting point: 246-251" C.

N.M.R. (in CD01 'y =l.00, 1.33, 1.34 (doublet),

4.00, 5.24 (quadruplet), 6.58, 6.6 and 7.1 (AB-spectrum) p.p.m.

(d) According to the procedure described in Example I(h), 3-hydroxy-14u,17a-ethy1idenedioxy 20,20 ethylenedioxy-19-nor-1,3,5 (10) pregnatriene was converted to 3-methoxy-14a,17a-ethylidenedioxy 20,20 ethylienedioxy-19-nor-1,3,5(10)-pregnatriene. The preparation of this compound was described also in Example I(i).

(e) According to the procedures described in Example I(j) and (k), 3-methoxy-14a,l7a-ethylidenedioxy-20,20- ethylenedioxy-19-nor 1,3,5 (10) pregnatriene was converted to 14a,17a-ethylidenedioxy-19-nor-progesterone.

Example X (a) According to the procedure described in Example I(f), 3-hydroxy 14 x,17a ethylidenedioxy-19-nor-1,3,5- (10),9(11)-pregnatetraene 20 one (prepared according to the procedure described in Example VII(e)) was converted to 3-hydroxy-l4a,l7a-ethylidenedioxy-19-nor-9/3- 1,3,5(-10)-pregnatriene-20-one. The preparation of this compound was also described in Example II(a).

(b) According to the procedures described in Example II(b-e), 3-hydroxy 14a,17a ethylidenedioxy-19-nor-9fi- 1,3,5 (10)-pregnatriene-20-one was converted to 1411,1701- ethylidenedioxy-19-nor-9/3,105-progesterone.

The invention includes within its scope pharmaceutical preparations containing, as the active ingredient, at least one of the therapeutically active compounds of the general formula as shown in FIG. 1 in association with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The preparations may take any of the forms customarily employed for administration of therapeutically active substances, but the preferred types are those suitable for oral administration, especially tablets, including sustained release tablets, pills and capsules including the substance and those suitable for parenteral administration. The tablets and pills may be formulated in the usual manner with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable diluents or excipients, and include materials of lubricating nature. Capsules made of absorbable material, such as gelatin, may contain the active substance alone or in admixture, with a solid or liquid diluent. Liquid preparations may be in the form of suspensions, emulsions, syrups or'elixirs of the active substance in water or other liquid medium commonly used for making orally acceptable pharmaceutical formulations.

The active substance may also be made up in a form suitable for parenteral administration, i.e. as a suspension or emulsion in sterile water or an organic liquid usually employed for injectable preparations, for example a vegetable oil such as corn or olive oil, or a sterile solution in water or an organic solvent.

When used for human contraceptive purposes the compounds may be administered orally in daily dosages such as tablets of 1.5 to 7.5 mg. the compounds may also be administered parenterally, subcutaneously or intramuscularly in the form of a depot preparation containing from to 250 mg. of active substance as a crystal suspension in water or dissolved in a very pure oil such as corn oil. The depot form will give protection against conception for 2 to 3 months. In combating threatened abortus or dysmenorrhoea the daily dosage range from 1-5 mg. given orally or parenterally.

What we claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. 3 alkoxy 14a,17a-methylenedioxy-20,ZO-ethylenedioxy-l9-nor-2,5(10)-pregnadiene of the formula O-CH: l i

CHa

wherein R represents a straight or branched chain aliphatic hydrocarbon group having less than 6 carbon atoms or a phenyl group, and R represents a lower alkyl group having less than 5 carbon atoms.

2. A 3 alkoxy 14a,17a-methylenedioxy-20,20-ethylenedioxy-19-nor-2,5(10)-pregnadiene as claimed in claim 1 which is 3 methoxy 14a,17a ethylidene-dioxy-20,20- ethy1enedioxy-19-nor-2,5 10)-pregnadiene.

3. A 3-alkoxy-1411,17a-methylenedioxy-20,20-cthylenedioxy-19-nor-2,5(10)-pregnadiene as claimed in claim 1, which is 3-methoxy-l4a,17a-ethylidenedioxy-20,20-ethylenedioxy-19-nor-9fl-2,5(10)-pregnadiene.

4. A 3-alkoxy-l4a,17a-methylenedioxy-20,20-ethylenedioxy-19-nor-2,5(10)-pregnadiene as claimed in claim 1, which is 3-methoxy-14a,17a-hexylidenedioxy-20,20-ethylenedioxy-19-nor-2,5 1O -pregnadiene.

5. A 3-alkoxy-14a,17a-methylenedioxy-20,20-ethylenedioxy-19-nor-2,5(10)-pregnadiene as claimed in claim 1, which is 3 methoxy 14a,17a-(2,Z-dimethyl-propylidenedioxy)-20,20-ethylenedioxy-19-nor-2,5(10)-pregnadiene.

6. A 3-alkoxy-14a,17a-methylenedioxy-20,20-ethylenedioxy-19-nor-2,5(10)-pregnadiene as claimed in claim 1,

1 7 which is 3 methoxy 14a,17a-(2-ethylbutylidenedioxy)- 20,20-ethylenedioxy-19-nor-2,5 10 -pregnadiene.

7. A 3-alkoxy-14a,17a-methylenedioxy-20,ZO-ethylenedioxy-19-nor-2,5(10)-pregnadiene derivative as claimed in claim 1, which is 3-rnethoxy-14u,l7a propylidenedioxy- 20,20-ethylenedioxy-19-nor-2,5 10) -pregnadiene.

8. A 3-alkoxy-14a,17a-methylenedioxy-20,20-ethylenedioxy-19-nor-1,3,5(10)-pregnatriene of the formula:

when R represents a straight or branched chain aliphatic HR R1 hydrocarbon having less than 6 carbon atoms or a phenyl group and R represents hydrogen or a lower alkyl group having less than 5 carbon atoms.

11. A 3 hydroxy-14m,17a-methylenedioxy-19-nor-1,3, 5(10)-pregnatriene-20-one derivative of the formula wherein R represents a straight or branched chain aliphatic hydrocarbon group having less than 6 carbon atoms or a phenyl group.

12. A 3 alkoxy 140:,17a methylenedioxy-19-nor-1,3, 5( ,9( l 1 )-pregnatetraen-20-one derivative of the formula:

18 wherein R represents a straight or branched chain aliphatic hydrocarbon group having less than 6 carbon atoms or a phenyl group, and R represents a lower alkyl group having-less than 5 carbon atoms.

13. A 1411,1711 methylenedioxy 20,20-ethylenedioxy- 1,4-pregnadiene-3-one derivative of the formula:

0-CH: L

wherein R represents a straight or branched chain aliphatic hydrocarbon group having less than 6 carbon atoms or a phenyl group.

14. A 14a-17a-methylenedioxy-1,9(11)-bisdehydroprogesterone derivative of formula wherein R represents a straight or branched chain aliphatic hydrocarbon group having less than 6 carbon atoms or a phenyl group.

15. A process for preparing a 14a,17a-methylenedioxy-l9-nor-progesterone derivative of the formula:

o-- l o------- c wherein R represents a phenyl group or a straight or branched chain aliphatic hydrocarbon group of less than 6 carbon atoms, comprising the steps:

(1) of reacting 3,14a,17a-trihydroxy-l9-nor-1,3,5(10)- pregnatrien-ZO-one or its 9B-isori1'er with an aldehyde of the formula RCHO, wherein R is as defined above;

(2) protecting the 3-hydroxyl group pf the thus obtained 14a,17a-methylenedioxy derivative of the formula:

by etherification with a dialkylsulphate of the formula (R SO wherein R represents a lower alkyl group having less than 5 carbon atoms;

19 (3).- protecting the ZO-keto group of-thethusxobtained '3-alkoxy derivative oftheforrnular (4) reducing the thus obtained 20,20-ethylenedioxy comby converting it with ethylene glycol to a 20,20-ethylene group;

pound of the torrnula;

by-refluxing it in a solution of an organic solvent in the presence of a strong acid into a 14a',17a-methylenedioxy-19-nor-progesterone derivative of' formula (1). .7

16. A process of preparing a 14a,17a-methylenedioxy- 19-nor-progesterone derivative of the formula:

wherein R represents a phenyl group or: a straight or branched chain aliphatic hydrocarbon group of less than 6 carbon atoms," comprising'the steps:

(7 reducing the thus obtained 20,2(l-ethylenedioxy com:v

(1) of microbiologically hydroxylating inthe ll-position a 14a,17wmethylenedioxy-pregesterone derivative of the formula: I

wherein R is as defined above;

(2) dehydrating in the 9(11)-position the thus obtained 11-hydroxy-14a,17a-methylenedioxy progesterone derivative;

(3) dehydrogenating in the 1,2-position the thus obtained 9( 11)-dehydroprogesterone derivative;

(4) subjecting the thus obtained 1,9(11)-bisdihydroprogesterone derivative of the formula: 1

to aromatization and protecting the 3-hydroxyl group of the thus obtained 3-hydroxy-19-nor-1 ,3,5 (10),9( 11)- prcgnatetraen-ZO-one compound by etherification with a dialkylsulphate of the formula (R SO wherein R is a lower alkyl group having less than 5 carbon atoms;

(5 protecting the 20-keto group of thus obtained 3-alkoxy- 14u,17a-methy1enedioxy 19 nor 1,3,5(10),9(11)- pregnatetraen-ZO-one of the formula:

by converting it with ethylene glycol to a 20,20-ethylenedioxy group;

(6) reducing the 9(l1)-double bond of the thus obtained 20,20 ethy1enedioxy-19-nor 1,3,5 10) ,9( 1 1)-pregnatetraene, and

pound of the formula:

with sodium and liquid ammonia;

21 (8) and converting the thus obtained 2,5( 10) -pregnadiene derivative of the formula:

by refluxing it in a solution of an organic solvent in the presence of a strong acid into a l4a,l7a-methylenedioxy -l9-nor-progesterone derivative of formula (1).

17. A process of preparing a 14a,17a-methylenedioxy- 19-nor-progesterone derivative of the formula:

wherein R represents a phenyl group or a straight or branched chain aliphatic hydrocarbon group of less than 6 carbon atoms, comprising the steps:

(1) dehydrogenating in the 1,2-position a l4a,l7a-methylenedioxyprogesterone derivative of the formula:

(2) protecting the ZO-keto group of thus obtained l-dehydro-derivative by converting it with ethylene glycol to a 20,20-ethylenedioxy group;

(3) subjecting the thus obtained 14a,17a-methylenedioxy- 20,20-ethylenedioxy-1,4-pregnadiene of the formula:

to aromatization with lithium,

(4) reducing the thus obtained 20,20-ethylenedioxy compound of the formula:

(4) wherein R, represents a hydrogen atom, with sodium and liquid ammonia;

(5) and converting the thus obtained 2,5 (10)-pregnadfene derivative of the formula:

LEWIS GOTIS, Primary Examiner F. G. LOVE, Assistant Examiner US. Cl. X.R. 

